New Active Kids rebate, towards sporting and fitness related costs for young people welcomed

Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) Councillor Virginia Black, has welcomed the official announcement the State Government’s $100 Active Kids rebate for sporting and fitness related costs will commence from 31 January 2018.

“Over recent years, Council has heard the community’s concerns that things like swimming lessons, a basic right for all kids, can be unaffordable for families with multiple children and/or tight budgets. Unfortunately, Council does not have the financial resources to subsidise such activities so we’re very happy to see the State Government address this issue,” Councillor Black said.

“Active Kids will see every child, 4.5 - 18 years’ old and enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12, eligible for an Active Kids Voucher. These vouchers will not be means tested with one available for every child in a family, annually, for the next four years, including home-schooled kids and those enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW,” she said.

“Council welcomes this initiative not only because every dollar counts in the household budget but also because there are many benefits of sport participation for children and youth.

“These include reduced risk of obesity, increased cardiovascular fitness, healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, improved coordination and balance, a greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension such as headache or back ache, improved sleep, mental health benefits, such as greater confidence, improved social skills and improved personal skills, including cooperation and leadership,” she said.

“The voucher will be able to be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities, of no less than eight weeks’ duration, that provide a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity like swimming lessons, structured fitness programs, outdoor education programs, approved active recreation such as dance, for equipment ordinarily provided by the provider on registration for competition and other sporting pursuits,” she continued.

From 31 January 2018, parents/guardians/carers of an eligible child resident in NSW will be able to download vouchers from the online platform or at our local Service NSW Centre. I urge people to keep this in mind and to make use of this program which will help facilitate sporting activities for our young folk,” Councillor Black concluded.